What you need to know about composite decking

Have you ever considered composite decking but disregarded the idea because you felt like you didn't know enough about it? Maybe you've wondered how composite decking is made? Or what kinds of materials make up composite decking?

Although composite decking is not new, lack of familiarity with the product may lead you to be confused when making a decision about what you should choose for your deck. To make this decision-making process easier, it often helps to go back to the basics.

So what is composite decking anyway? By definition, composite decking is a wood-like product that is created by the mixture of wood fibers, or sawdust, and virgin and recycled plastics. The combination of these elements along with color pigments and other protective additives, form a traditional wood-like decking profile that requires less maintenance than traditional wood decks.

Many composite decking products are manufactured through a process called extrusion. This is defined as a forming process in which melted plastic and wood materials are forced through an opening to produce a product that maintains a relatively consistent size and shape. Think of it like putty that is being pushed through a mold. The opening gives the board the shape and texture.

Another manufacturing method is compression molding. Combined molten materials for the composite wood are placed on to wood grain molds which are then compressed under tremendous heat and pressure to create a physical bond. The force applied helps to squeeze out air pockets and create a compressed board.

For outdoor living, composite decking provides many added benefits including weather resistance, complementary colors, durability and reduced maintenance.

* Weather resistance: The density of a composite decking board helps protect the board from rot and decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. By keeping moisture out, this helps reduce mildew, insects and bacteria.

* Complementary colors: The composite boards are also manufactured in a range of colors to perfectly complement any home. Instead of needing stain or paint, the colors are already added to the boards.

* Durability: Composite decking boards are manufactured to be stain resistant against certain common food and beverage stains, including mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, canola oil, fruit punch, wines and coffee. This stain resistance will preserve the life and beauty of the deck.

* Maintenance: Composite decking does not require paint, stain or a sealer reducing the overall maintenance of the deck. The best way to maintain a composite deck is to keep it swept, hose it off at least twice a year and attend to stains promptly with household cleaners or commercially available composite deck cleaners.

Overall, composite decking is a low maintenance product that has become a desirable alternative for outdoor living. Some composite deck products, like TAMKO's Envision, even add an extra layer of protection against weather, staining and scratching to preserve the natural beauty of the composite decking board.

TAMKO's Envision is uniquely designed with an added outer layer that is physically bonded to the core board under a compression process. This bonded outer layer adds durability to the core materials that provide the strength and consistency of the board. Envision also comes in four true, multi-shaded color options, designed with color highlights that emulate the textures and natural color variations of real wood to further enhance the natural beauty of the deck. To learn more about TAMKO's Envision, visit www.tamko.com.

Knowing more about the choices available helps you make a more informed decision about the product that is best for you. Composite decking shouldn't be something you avoid because you don't know anything about it. Composite decking has come a long way since it was first introduced and can provide you with the beauty and satisfaction you look for in a deck for years to come. You don't want to miss out.

Courtesy of BPT

What you need to know about composite decking

Have you ever considered composite decking but disregarded the idea because you felt like you didn't know enough about it? Maybe you've wondered how composite decking is made? Or what kinds of materials make up composite decking?

Although composite decking is not new, lack of familiarity with the product may lead you to be confused when making a decision about what you should choose for your deck. To make this decision-making process easier, it often helps to go back to the basics.

So what is composite decking anyway? By definition, composite decking is a wood-like product that is created by the mixture of wood fibers, or sawdust, and virgin and recycled plastics. The combination of these elements along with color pigments and other protective additives, form a traditional wood-like decking profile that requires less maintenance than traditional wood decks.

Many composite decking products are manufactured through a process called extrusion. This is defined as a forming process in which melted plastic and wood materials are forced through an opening to produce a product that maintains a relatively consistent size and shape. Think of it like putty that is being pushed through a mold. The opening gives the board the shape and texture.

Another manufacturing method is compression molding. Combined molten materials for the composite wood are placed on to wood grain molds which are then compressed under tremendous heat and pressure to create a physical bond. The force applied helps to squeeze out air pockets and create a compressed board.

For outdoor living, composite decking provides many added benefits including weather resistance, complementary colors, durability and reduced maintenance.

* Weather resistance: The density of a composite decking board helps protect the board from rot and decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. By keeping moisture out, this helps reduce mildew, insects and bacteria.

* Complementary colors: The composite boards are also manufactured in a range of colors to perfectly complement any home. Instead of needing stain or paint, the colors are already added to the boards.

* Durability: Composite decking boards are manufactured to be stain resistant against certain common food and beverage stains, including mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, canola oil, fruit punch, wines and coffee. This stain resistance will preserve the life and beauty of the deck.

* Maintenance: Composite decking does not require paint, stain or a sealer reducing the overall maintenance of the deck. The best way to maintain a composite deck is to keep it swept, hose it off at least twice a year and attend to stains promptly with household cleaners or commercially available composite deck cleaners.

Overall, composite decking is a low maintenance product that has become a desirable alternative for outdoor living. Some composite deck products, like TAMKO's Envision, even add an extra layer of protection against weather, staining and scratching to preserve the natural beauty of the composite decking board.

TAMKO's Envision is uniquely designed with an added outer layer that is physically bonded to the core board under a compression process. This bonded outer layer adds durability to the core materials that provide the strength and consistency of the board. Envision also comes in four true, multi-shaded color options, designed with color highlights that emulate the textures and natural color variations of real wood to further enhance the natural beauty of the deck. To learn more about TAMKO's Envision, visit www.tamko.com.

Knowing more about the choices available helps you make a more informed decision about the product that is best for you. Composite decking shouldn't be something you avoid because you don't know anything about it. Composite decking has come a long way since it was first introduced and can provide you with the beauty and satisfaction you look for in a deck for years to come. You don't want to miss out.

Courtesy of BPT

What you need to know about composite decking

<span><img align="left" alt="Deck" height="149" hspace="5" id="the_image" src="https://secure.systememerge.com/userfiles/4/image/15146842web_1351894066.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;" vspace="5" width="200" ></span>Have you ever considered composite decking but disregarded the idea because you felt like you didn't know enough about it? Maybe you've wondered how composite decking is made? Or what kinds of materials make up composite decking?

Although composite decking is not new, lack of familiarity with the product may lead you to be confused when making a decision about what you should choose for your deck. To make this decision-making process easier, it often helps to go back to the basics.

So what is composite decking anyway? By definition, composite decking is a wood-like product that is created by the mixture of wood fibers, or sawdust, and virgin and recycled plastics. The combination of these elements along with color pigments and other protective additives, form a traditional wood-like decking profile that requires less maintenance than traditional wood decks.

Many composite decking products are manufactured through a process called extrusion. This is defined as a forming process in which melted plastic and wood materials are forced through an opening to produce a product that maintains a relatively consistent size and shape. Think of it like putty that is being pushed through a mold. The opening gives the board the shape and texture.

Another manufacturing method is compression molding. Combined molten materials for the composite wood are placed on to wood grain molds which are then compressed under tremendous heat and pressure to create a physical bond. The force applied helps to squeeze out air pockets and create a compressed board.

For outdoor living, composite decking provides many added benefits including weather resistance, complementary colors, durability and reduced maintenance.

* Weather resistance: The density of a composite decking board helps protect the board from rot and decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. By keeping moisture out, this helps reduce mildew, insects and bacteria.

* Complementary colors: The composite boards are also manufactured in a range of colors to perfectly complement any home. Instead of needing stain or paint, the colors are already added to the boards.

* Durability: Composite decking boards are manufactured to be stain resistant against certain common food and beverage stains, including mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, canola oil, fruit punch, wines and coffee. This stain resistance will preserve the life and beauty of the deck.

* Maintenance: Composite decking does not require paint, stain or a sealer reducing the overall maintenance of the deck. The best way to maintain a composite deck is to keep it swept, hose it off at least twice a year and attend to stains promptly with household cleaners or commercially available composite deck cleaners.

Overall, composite decking is a low maintenance product that has become a desirable alternative for outdoor living. Some composite deck products, like TAMKO's Envision, even add an extra layer of protection against weather, staining and scratching to preserve the natural beauty of the composite decking board.

TAMKO's Envision is uniquely designed with an added outer layer that is physically bonded to the core board under a compression process. This bonded outer layer adds durability to the core materials that provide the strength and consistency of the board. Envision also comes in four true, multi-shaded color options, designed with color highlights that emulate the textures and natural color variations of real wood to further enhance the natural beauty of the deck. To learn more about TAMKO's Envision, visit www.tamko.com.

Knowing more about the choices available helps you make a more informed decision about the product that is best for you. Composite decking shouldn't be something you avoid because you don't know anything about it. Composite decking has come a long way since it was first introduced and can provide you with the beauty and satisfaction you look for in a deck for years to come. You don't want to miss out.

Courtesy of BPT

What you need to know about composite decking

<span><img align="left" alt="Deck" height="149" hspace="5" id="the_image" src="https://secure.systememerge.com/userfiles/4/image/15146842web_1351894066.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;" vspace="5" width="200" ></span>Have you ever considered composite decking but disregarded the idea because you felt like you didn't know enough about it? Maybe you've wondered how composite decking is made? Or what kinds of materials make up composite decking?

Although composite decking is not new, lack of familiarity with the product may lead you to be confused when making a decision about what you should choose for your deck. To make this decision-making process easier, it often helps to go back to the basics.

So what is composite decking anyway? By definition, composite decking is a wood-like product that is created by the mixture of wood fibers, or sawdust, and virgin and recycled plastics. The combination of these elements along with color pigments and other protective additives, form a traditional wood-like decking profile that requires less maintenance than traditional wood decks.

Many composite decking products are manufactured through a process called extrusion. This is defined as a forming process in which melted plastic and wood materials are forced through an opening to produce a product that maintains a relatively consistent size and shape. Think of it like putty that is being pushed through a mold. The opening gives the board the shape and texture.

Another manufacturing method is compression molding. Combined molten materials for the composite wood are placed on to wood grain molds which are then compressed under tremendous heat and pressure to create a physical bond. The force applied helps to squeeze out air pockets and create a compressed board.

For outdoor living, composite decking provides many added benefits including weather resistance, complementary colors, durability and reduced maintenance.

* Weather resistance: The density of a composite decking board helps protect the board from rot and decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. By keeping moisture out, this helps reduce mildew, insects and bacteria.

* Complementary colors: The composite boards are also manufactured in a range of colors to perfectly complement any home. Instead of needing stain or paint, the colors are already added to the boards.

* Durability: Composite decking boards are manufactured to be stain resistant against certain common food and beverage stains, including mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, canola oil, fruit punch, wines and coffee. This stain resistance will preserve the life and beauty of the deck.

* Maintenance: Composite decking does not require paint, stain or a sealer reducing the overall maintenance of the deck. The best way to maintain a composite deck is to keep it swept, hose it off at least twice a year and attend to stains promptly with household cleaners or commercially available composite deck cleaners.

Overall, composite decking is a low maintenance product that has become a desirable alternative for outdoor living. Some composite deck products, like TAMKO's Envision, even add an extra layer of protection against weather, staining and scratching to preserve the natural beauty of the composite decking board.

TAMKO's Envision is uniquely designed with an added outer layer that is physically bonded to the core board under a compression process. This bonded outer layer adds durability to the core materials that provide the strength and consistency of the board. Envision also comes in four true, multi-shaded color options, designed with color highlights that emulate the textures and natural color variations of real wood to further enhance the natural beauty of the deck. To learn more about TAMKO's Envision, visit www.tamko.com.

Knowing more about the choices available helps you make a more informed decision about the product that is best for you. Composite decking shouldn't be something you avoid because you don't know anything about it. Composite decking has come a long way since it was first introduced and can provide you with the beauty and satisfaction you look for in a deck for years to come. You don't want to miss out.

Courtesy of BPT

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Remodeling for aging in place today will help sell your home tomorrow

Only one in 10 adults believes this is a good time to sell a home, according to Fannie Mae's September 2011 National Housing Survey. If you're on hold in the real estate market, now is the time to get your house in order - literally. Make the right changes today, and you'll get a better price tomorrow.

But before you invest in a home-improvement project, consider your potential buyers with this fact in mind: More than 3.5 million baby boomers turn 55 each year, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Since people aged 45 to 64 make up more than a quarter of today's U.S. population, there's a good chance you'll be selling to someone in this age group. Will your home appeal to them?

Your chances will be better if your home has "aging in place" design features that make it easier for older adults to live on their own longer. These modifications are the fastest-growing segment of the home remodeling industry, says the National Association of Home Builders. Because they range from simple fixes to full-scale renovations, making aging-in-place changes can suit any budget.

Best of all, this type of project not only improves a home's resale value for the future, it also increases its safety and comfort for all residents right now.

Add a bath where none exists

Adding a bathroom on the main living level is a smart strategy to appeal to older adults, says national home safety expert Meri-K Appy. "Falls are the leading cause of home injury deaths, and older adults are at greatest risk for them," she says.andnbsp; "Eliminating the need to use stairs and reducing the distance to a bathroom can be a great safety advantage."

A new bath is also a sound investment. This one improvement was shown to return more than 53 percent of its cost at resale in the 2010-2011 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report.

A macerating toilet system is a good way to lower the cost of adding a bath, says Otis Dardy, owner of Dardy Construction in Conyers, Ga. Dardy recently used macerating, or up flush, technology to install a full bathroom in a home that lacked below-floor plumbing drainage. With conventional plumbing fixtures, Dardy would have had to dig through the concrete, creating a costly and time-consuming mess. Instead, he used Saniflo up flush technology, which allows you to add plumbing to any room in your home, even the basement, without having to break up the floor.

Macerating plumbing systems pump waste and water from a toilet - as well as a sink, shower, wet bar, even a washing machine - upward through small diameter piping.

Before Dardy knew about macerating plumbing systems, many of his customers who wanted a bathroom couldn't afford the cost of creating new drainage. "I can save them a ton of money now," he says. "It will also work if you want to convert a walk-in closet into a powder room."

Looking for more ways to update a bathroom with aging adults in mind? Put a telephone line in the bathroom. You may also want to install grab bars in and near tubs and showers while adding a hand-held showerhead. It not only makes bathing easier, but it also helps when it's time to wash a pet or clean the tub. Use low, open shelving, and place nightlights in hallways and bathrooms to improve illumination and reduce falls.

Universal improvements

If you're doing a kitchen remodel, consider using nonslip flooring. Some designers recommend cork tiles, which have the added advantage of being environmentally friendly.

To make your kitchen workspace more user-friendly, vary the height of your countertop areas to accommodate both standing and seated cooks, and don't forget to install bright task lighting. Always choose appliances with controls that are easy to read and easy to use.

Push/pull levers are a must for kitchen faucets, and installing thermostatic and anti-scald devices can reduce hot-water burn injuries.

If you're replacing windows, make sure the hardware is easy to operate. Installing a new entry door? Choose a low-maintenance alternative to wood. All stairways inside and out should have two handrails and bright overhead lighting.

Less-expensive improvements include replacing doorknobs with handles that are easier to open and putting D-shaped pulls on drawers and cabinets. Replace any dim bulbs with bright overhead lighting.

Courtesy of ARA

Just the right size: How to shop online

Shopping online for clothes has many benefits. There is the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home when you don't have time to drive to a store and browse the racks. It is also great for researching the best price for an item you already know you want, especially for wardrobe staples like a white button-down blouse or a pair of skinny jeans. There is also the thrill of finding a package with your name on it waiting at your doorstep.andnbsp;

Still, the concern that stops many people from pushing their virtual shopping basket to check out is sizing. To learn how to order just the right size when shopping online for clothes, follow this advice from fashion school pros in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Measure yourself

"It may seem simple, but invest in a measuring tape," says Claude Brown, academic director of the Fashion Design and the Fashion Marketing and Management programs at The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles. "It costs less than five bucks, and will make all the difference when finding your right size online."

Sizing can vary widely from brand to brand notes Brown, who also designs his own collection of dresses and sportswear. So if you are trying a new and unfamiliar brand, a key first step is to measure your waist, hips, bust and inseam.

Retailer sites will often have measuring guides that describe where and how to measure. Two measuring tips from Geetika Gupta, an instructor at The Art Institute of California - San Francisco who teaches courses in both fashion design and fashion marketing, is to always measure over undergarments and allow the tape to roughly skim the body, not sag or cut in.

Read charts and descriptions

Gupta, who runs her own fashion design and wholesaling business, also advises to take a close look at the size charts of the brand you are browsing. "With your measurements in hand you can figure out where you generally fit into a brand's size ranges. Then what you want to do is read the garment description and look for keywords based on fit." she says. Indicator words such as "high-waisted" or "boy fit" can help you decide if an item might be the right shape or style for your body, and better align with your fit preferences, which are very personal.

Brown also cautions that you can't just rely on photos either. One of the reasons clothes can look perfect on the models is because sometimes a garment is clipped, pinned or taped to the body to look just so.

Look for low-cost shipping

Online shopping features like a live chat, virtual shopping assistants and runway videos are occasionally available, but with your measurements and new-found product knowledge, can be less applicable. Some retailer websites offer to adjust the inseam before they ship your order, which can be worthwhile, says Gupta. "However, beware the quality from mass customization websites where you enter your measurements to receive customized pieces of clothing," she warns.andnbsp;

"In general, dresses, skirts and blouses can be easier to assess size and fit," Gupta says. "I also look for sites with free or low-cost return shipping and like to order two sizes of the same item so I can try both on." She does this until she is familiar with a brand and how it fits her.andnbsp;

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu.

Courtesy of ARA

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